Tucked into a quiet valley in the southwest of Iceland, this lakeside vacation home was built to mimic the colors and textures of its environment, camouflaging against its surroundings. The stunning landscape behind the home is an untouched mix of mountain birch, heather and grass that drops gently past the house and towards the water. With mountain views in one direction and uninterrupted views of the lake and distant peaks in the other, views were at the heart of the design, with huge picture windows framing the scenes.
Architect Teiknistofan Tröð managed the delicate balancing act of making the home both blend in and stand out. The handsome exterior is beautifully clad in untreated larch, left to weather into soft grey tones that echo the region’s rugged palette. The home is arranged in interconnecting volumes; its main wing is a long, low block that follows the land’s natural contour and features a moss-covered roof, to appear as if part of the hillside. Cutting across it is a taller wing with a pitched zinc roof, that adds contrast to the silhouette. A separate outbuilding, also topped with zinc, houses a sauna.
Inside, timber rules once again, with aspen panelling covering the space to provide a warm, pared-back atmosphere, while concrete-tiled floors with underfloor heating keep things cozy. Using natural materials and employing a low profile that hugs the terrain, this vacation retreat effectively grounds itself in the stunning location.
Photography © Nanne Springer